Cfa Calculators Allowed

CFA® Exam Calculator Compliance Checker

Instantly verify if your calculator is one of the officially **CFA calculators allowed** by the CFA Institute. Select your calculator’s brand and model below.

Key Features & Policy Status

CFA Institute Calculator Policy Explanation

Feature Comparison of Allowed Calculators

What are the CFA Calculators Allowed?

The term “CFA calculators allowed” refers to the very specific models of business analyst calculators that the CFA Institute permits candidates to use during the notoriously difficult CFA exams. The CFA Institute maintains a strict calculator policy to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and to prevent the use of devices with advanced programming or communication capabilities. Failure to use one of the approved **CFA calculators allowed** will result in you not being able to use a calculator during your exam, which is a significant disadvantage.

Currently, only two models are approved: the Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including the BA II Plus Professional) and the Hewlett Packard 12C (including the Platinum, 25th anniversary, and 30th anniversary editions). No other calculators, regardless of their functionality, are permitted. This strict adherence makes understanding the list of **CFA calculators allowed** a critical first step in your exam preparation.

CFA Calculator Policy and Rules

There isn’t a mathematical formula for the policy, but a strict set of rules. The core principle is standardization. The policy ensures every candidate has access to the same computational functions, preventing any unfair advantages. The list of **CFA calculators allowed** is intentionally short. The proctors will check your calculator before you enter the exam room. It’s recommended to bring a spare, but it must also be an approved model. Knowing your calculator intimately is as important as knowing the curriculum; it’s one of the key strategies for passing CFA Level 1.

The key takeaway from the CFA Institute’s policy on **CFA calculators allowed** is this: you must use one of the two authorized models, and you are responsible for its working condition, including the batteries.

Approved Calculator Models Breakdown

Model Name	Key Features	Entry Logic	Best For
Texas Instruments BA II Plus / Professional	TVM, NPV, IRR, Amortization, Depreciation schedules. Professional version has a metal case and higher quality keys.	Algebraic (like a standard calculator)	Students familiar with standard calculators.
Hewlett Packard 12C / Platinum	TVM, NPV, IRR, Cash Flow Analysis, 120+ built-in functions. Known for speed once mastered.	Reverse Polish Notation (RPN)	Experienced finance professionals who prefer RPN for fewer keystrokes.

Practical Examples: Choosing a Calculator

Example 1: The Finance Student

A university student is preparing for the Level I exam. They have used Texas Instruments calculators throughout their finance courses. For them, the logical choice from the list of **CFA calculators allowed** is the TI BA II Plus. Its algebraic entry system is intuitive and requires less of a learning curve, allowing them to focus on the curriculum rather than learning a new calculation method. They might opt for the Professional version for better build quality during their long study hours.

Example 2: The Experienced Analyst

An analyst with 10 years of experience in portfolio management decides to pursue the CFA charter. They have used an HP calculator with RPN for their entire career and value its efficiency. Their ideal choice from the **CFA calculators allowed** is the HP 12C Platinum. Although RPN has a steeper learning curve, they are already proficient. This allows them to perform complex calculations like time value of money (TVM) and IRR with fewer keystrokes, saving precious seconds during the exam.

How to Use This CFA Calculators Allowed Checker

1. Select Brand: Start by choosing your calculator’s brand (Texas Instruments or Hewlett Packard) from the first dropdown. If it’s another brand, select “Other”.
2. Select Model: The second dropdown will populate with models. Choose the specific model number written on your calculator.
3. Review the Result: The tool will instantly display a “COMPLIANT” or “NON-COMPLIANT” status.
4. Analyze Features: The results section provides key details about the selected model, helping you understand its capabilities and why it is or isn’t on the list of **CFA calculators allowed**.
5. Reset and Compare: Use the “Reset” button to check another calculator and compare the approved models.

Key Factors in Choosing a CFA Calculator

Selecting from the list of **CFA calculators allowed** is a small but important decision. Here are key factors to consider:

• Familiarity with Entry Logic: The biggest difference between the two approved models is Algebraic vs. Reverse Polish Notation (RPN). Choose the one you can operate fastest and most accurately on. Don’t switch to RPN just before the exam to save time; you’ll likely make more mistakes.
• Keystroke Efficiency: RPN (HP 12C) typically requires fewer keystrokes for complex multi-step problems, which can save time. However, this is only true if you are highly proficient. For most candidates, the TI BA II Plus is sufficiently fast.
• Built-in Functions: Both calculators have all the necessary functions for the CFA exam, such as NPV and IRR. The TI BA II Plus Professional has a few extra functions like a modified duration calculation, which can be a minor time-saver. Check the TI BA II Plus guide for more details.
• Build Quality and Feel: The TI BA II Plus Professional and HP 12C models have higher-quality keys and a more solid feel than the standard TI BA II Plus. This can make a difference during long, stressful exam sessions.
• Cost: The standard TI BA II Plus is the most affordable option. The Professional and HP models are more expensive. Your budget for study materials might influence your choice.
• Battery Life and Reliability: All models are highly reliable. However, it’s a mandatory part of the **CFA calculator policy** to ensure your batteries are fresh. It is wise to bring a spare approved calculator or at least spare batteries and a small screwdriver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring two calculators to the CFA exam?

Yes, the CFA Institute allows you to bring a second calculator. However, the backup must also be an approved model from the list of **CFA calculators allowed**. Some test centers have been reported to be strict, so be prepared for a final check at the location.

2. Is the TI BA II Plus Professional version on the CFA calculators allowed list?

Yes. The CFA Institute explicitly states that the “Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including the BA II Plus Professional)” is permitted. It’s a popular choice among candidates.

3. Why aren’t scientific or graphing calculators allowed?

The strict **CFA calculator policy** is in place to prevent the use of devices with text-storage or advanced programming capabilities. This ensures fairness and exam security, as such features could give a candidate an unfair advantage.

4. What happens if I bring a non-approved calculator?

If you bring a calculator that is not on the official list of **CFA calculators allowed**, the exam proctors will confiscate it. You will have to take the exam without a calculator, which is nearly impossible given the number of calculations required.

5. Do I need to clear the calculator’s memory before the exam?

Yes, the proctors will likely inspect your calculator and may ask you to show that the memory has been cleared. It’s good practice to know how to quickly reset your device.

6. Is the HP 12C still a good choice?

Absolutely. While less common among new candidates, the HP 12C is a powerful and fast calculator for those proficient in RPN. It remains firmly on the list of **CFA calculators allowed** and is favored by many finance veterans.

7. Should I buy a new calculator for the exam?

If you do not currently own one of the **CFA calculators allowed**, then yes, you must purchase one. It’s a critical tool for your studies and for the exam itself. Practice with the calculator you intend to use on exam day.

8. Where can I find the official CFA calculator policy?

The most reliable source for the policy on **CFA calculators allowed** is the official CFA Institute website. Always check their site for the most up-to-date information before your exam day.